By the time I finished reading this excellent novel, Clytemnestra had branded my soul. It’s one of those books I’m reaching for the moment I open my eyes in the morning to get a little more reading time in before work, after work, all the reading times in between. Could not put it down. The writing is excellent and the unfolding of the plot, all the awful atrocities committed by the men in power while the women can only stand by and become, step by bloody step, twisted by their circumstances, is pure art. At the end of it all, I felt devastated and uplifted at the same time; well, throughout the story, this is how I felt, but the writing and the story kept me reading.
Lots of books come along. Few books hold this kind of power over me.
1o stars if I could

I've read several of the adaptations where the authors have taken the female protagonists from Greek mythology and expanded on them. So far these stories have been hit or miss for me....some I've really liked and others not so much. But this one was a definite winner. Clytemnestra kept my attention and thus kept me turning the pages until I finished.

It's so interesting to me that Clytemnestra has always been portrayed as such a horrible woman. She was seen as dishonorable for cheating, murder and so on. When in fact, people don't look to see what she endured and the things that led her to do the horrific things she did. She was actually a strong and patient woman who waited until the right moment presented itself to take her revenge on others who had wronged her. And she had definitely been wronged in unimaginable ways. But during those times, the pain women endured was overlooked because they were often viewed as property and not really as people. However, when things were done to men, it was an entirely different thing.

My heart absolutely broke several times for Clytemnestra. Even though I'm familiar with the mythology and often knew what was coming, it still didn't make experiencing her anguish any easier. She truly lived through such intense heartbreak that the fact that she kept moving forward was amazing in itself.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

this book really surprised me, and I loved it! i was nervous going into this as i am not familiar with greek mythology, which has made me dislike similar retellings in the past. luckily, Clytemnestra gives you all of the relevant details/history that you need to know to enjoy the story without feeling like you are missing something. the pacing of this book made it impossible to put down since it was so action-packed. i wasn’t familiar with clytemnestra’s story prior to reading this, but it was sooo sad yet inspiring. Glad I got an ARC of this from NetGalley! 4.75 stars.(-.25 because at some times, the writing felt like it was just there to be highlighted and taken an instagram pic of, lol)

This book was fantastic further solidifying my obsession with the female Greek retellings. After having cameos in several retellings that I have read over the last couple years, I was stoked for Clytemnestra to get her own book. The writing was done beautifully. World building was great and stuck really true to the events of her story. I loved Clytemnestra's character she is a force to behold and and I feel like Casati did a fantastic job of conveying that. All of the side characters were well written and I was really excited to see more of Helens back story. I cannot wait to see where Casati's writing takes her next!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the eARC of Clytemnestra.

This book follows Clytemnestra from her childhood as a young Spartan Princess, to mother and Queen of Mycenae. Her strength and family are used against her for the benefit of others, leading to a life of tragedy and pain, one from which Clytemnestra cannot escape. Thus, she turns her grief into rage and her rage into the promise of revenge on those who took everything from her.

I know very, very little about Greek mythology. I was introduced to many of these legendary characters for the very first time by reading this book. However, I was never confused about who was who; Costanza Casati masterfully juggles this vast cast of characters, giving each of them a distinct 'feel' and purpose.

I had no idea where this story was going (again: Greek mythology beginner here). The tragedies that unfolded were a total surprise to me. Despite that, Casati has a way of writing with an almost sickly feeling of impending doom. I knew something awful would happen (or, in this case, many awful things), but I didn't know what they were and I didn't know when they'd occur. And let me tell you, I LOVED that feeling. So ominous, so good. I kept asking myself, "Oh, Clytemnestra, what have they done to you?"

Casati delivered a gripping story full of beautiful metaphors, stunning environmental descriptions, and vibrant characters that I could not put down.

All I can say is: Burn it all down, Clytemnestra.

"Well, I am no man."

Five stars.

Clytemnestra is one of the best books for 2023
Clytemnestra along with her sisters were meant to be queens, but men from other lands were not used to the type of women that Clytemnestra and her sisters were trained to be. They were trained to be warriors and to be cunning. Clytemnestra was always the brains of the bunch, while Helen was the beauty.
When it was time for the sisters to we'd Helen chose a marriage out of anger, one that would be known throughout history.
Clytemnestra true love was torn away from her, along with their son, all so she could marry Helen's husband's brother.
While married they had their own children and at her husband's behest sent for their eldest daughter to marry during wartime as an alliance.
However, once again Clytemnestra is deceived and her eldest daughter is taken away from her, right in front of her eyes. While she watches her husband partake in the madness.
Clytemnestra is beside herself with rage, no more will her children be taken from her.
While her husband is away at war she gathers the favor of the people. Upon his return, she seeks her revenge and takes what belongs to her in the first place. With regards as to what has happened to her husband, no one is interested in challenging Clytemnestra for the throne.

Casatis Clytemnestra is a very compelling book that draws you in from the first chapter.

Clytemnestras strength and determination alone will have you cheering out loud for her.

I could not read this fast enough, that's how splendidly good this book was.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves strong, independent, MFC, you won't be sorry at all.

Thank you, NetGalley \SOURCEBOOKS Landmark, Sourcebooks Landmark\Costanza Casati\ For this eARC in advance for my honest review. My opinions are of my own volition.

2 1/2 stars

Clytemnestra has a worse reputation than her sister, Helen of Troy. She was known as an unfaithful wife who murdered her husband, Agamemnon. This new retelling is very sympathetic to the ruthless queen. Clytemnestra is portrayed as a powerful queen who gets vengeance on those who have wronged her. Clytemnestra is a very sympathetic retelling to an ancient myth.

Clytemnestra is the most likable character in the book. She is a strong warrior and a clever leader. She is also a capable ruler. However, she suffers through many hardships and has lost those dearest to her. The novel shows her as a sister, wife, and mother. I found her journey to be very fascinating as she grows from a spirited princess to a grief-stricken queen. Thus, I liked her transformation and was invested in her story.

Overall, this novel is about sisterhood, motherhood, and revenge. Even though I liked Clytemnestra’s journey, I found it to be the worst Clytemnestra retelling that I have ever read. Aside from Clytemnestra, the other characters are flat. Some of them are unnecessary and add nothing to the story. The story also feels disorganized and has many random time jumps. The writing style was very simplistic. I also did not like how the story tried to take the fantasy elements out and made it a more realistic interpretation. There were also many questions that remained unanswered. It could have been a solid retelling but was not executed well. I did like the setting and the Spartan culture. I recommend this for fans of Greek mythology. This would appeal to fans of The Silence of the Girls, Goddess of Yesterday, and Helen of Troy! Still, I have read better retellings of Clytemnestra. I advise you to skip this and read Clytemnestra: The Mother’s Blade and Helen Had a Sister! Clytemnestra is a weak retelling of a much maligned queen.

Gritty and raw, Clytemnestra is a huge story that is as gripping as it is marvelous. A stunning debut novel from Casati. I explain it to others as "if all of Game of Thrones was packed into one novel and set in Greece". I absolutely tore through this book, and I am not much one for politically-motivated plots, if you can even call this one. Clytemnestra is a woman driven by allegiance to those that she chooses to love, her husband, her children, her family. Anyone who crosses those close to her all feel her vengeance in time. I would have read this as three or four novels, but as one it really packs a punch. Lots of recognizable historical elements made the story and characters all the more believable. If you like a story about men getting what's coming to them, you'll love this book.

Many content warnings including sexual assault, murder, slaves, concubines, war, etc. What you would expect from an ancient Greek novel about conquerors and the ruling class.

This book absolutely hooked me from the beginning. I tried to read Circe earlier this year and struggled to get through it but this book was so good!!! The style of writing and the flow of the story was easy to read and understand. I was pulled in immediately and flew through it. I will be recommended this to all my friends and family who enjoy Greek mythology/history.

Clytemnestra
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a story about power, love, and heartbreak. Clytemnestra has faced tragedy after tragedy, but it has only sourced her need for power, and to get back at those who did her wrong.

Greek Mythology retellings always have a specific writing style, and at times it can be hard to follow. Specifically for me, I get confused with the character’s names. I do feel that these type of stories aren’t for everyone. This was a long book and I found myself needing to take breaks. I’m torn between feeling like some of could have been dialed way down, but then also feeling like the buildup and backstories does help with the plot and character development.

🏛️I really enjoyed hearing about other characters. It makes me excited to read more about their stories since information about them was briefly discussed.
🏛️ it was really interested to read the events that led to the Trojan War. This is something I haven’t read much about yet.
🏛️I really enjoyed how Clytemnestra really set the tone on how women should be respected.
🏛️I gave this book 4 stars because you could tell how much time, detail, and care was put into writing this book. It’s even more impressive that this is a debut novel.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book is available now, so if you’re interested in hearing the tale of the heroine Clytemnestra and her journey towards vengeance, you can treat your shelves now!

I liked the learning about Clytemnestra and she definitely was a strong woman. My favorite part was the interactions with her and her sister, Helen.

What she suffered through with Agamemnon's cruelty is so vicious it was hard to read. But she powered through. The amount of suffering she endured was heartbreak.

If you like the Greek retellings, this one is for you.

This was slow moving, but had powerful moments. Agamemnon was a brutal part of the story The mid section of the book lagged a bit for me, but it came back strong with those last few chapters!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

As a lover of Greek Mythology retellings, I was so excited to receive an eArc from Netgalley. Clytemnestra is such a fascinating figure, so I could not help but be intrigued by the story.

TW: Blood/Gore, Violence, Death, Murder, SA, Period Sexism, Homophobia

Clytemnestra lives a peaceful life in Sparta with her royal family, especially with her sister, Helen. When a prophecy reveals, however, that she and her sister will have doomed and tragic marriages, what will become of them? Will they control their fates?

Throughout the story, I felt heartbroken for both these sisters and the other women in the story. Clytemnestra was such an amazingly written character, and as the reader, I wanted her to get her revenge on those who hurt her. I despised Agamemnon so much in this retelling, but his ultimate fate was very satisfying to read. Casati breathed life into this figure with her impressive storytelling. No longer should Clytemnestra be considered an evil husband killer, but rather as a strong woman whose fury was justified.

If you enjoy Greek Mythology retellings, feminist stories on minor characters from this mythology, and beautiful writing, then I wholeheartedly recommend this book. We need more stories like this! Until the next book!

Clytemnestra read as anything but a debut novel, tackling obstacles that were all handled differently but above all, were broken through and overcome. I love a strong female MC, and this one was always marching to the beat of her own drum, never letting anyone stray her from her path. I can’t wait to read more works by this author in the future!

I have heard of Agamemnon. I have heard of Helen of Troy. I have heard of Iphigenia. For some reason, I had never heard of Clytemnestra. Until I got this ARC from NetGalley.

Costanza Casati has weaved a marvelous tale of Greek mythology, at least as far as I can tell. And it's my review, so I can say that. This book was so much fun to read. Clytemnestra was, in Greek mythology, forced to marry Agamemnon after he murdered her husband and newborn baby. Having never heard of her, before, I also didn't know that she was twin sister to Helen of Troy, who married Agamemnon's brother Menelaus.

The way Ms. Casati weaves this story is breathtaking. The relationships between Clytemnestra and her brothers and sisters was so very intimate. There are hints that it was even more than that, but it never went quite that far.

This book has everything. Romance, betrayal, murder, sex, you name it. And all following (as best as I can tell, once again, because I am certainly no expert on the subject) pretty closely to the traditional story.

What I love about this is that Clytemnestra turns out to be a very strong woman. She takes what was dealt to her and turns it around to her advantage. Certainly, her heart is broken multiple times. First, when Agamemnon kills her husband and newborn son. Later, Agamemnon and his priest murder her daughter, Iphigenia, in Aulis, as a sacrifice to the "gods." By the way, I'm sure many are familiar with the play by Euripides, "Ephigenia in Aulis." There is also a corresponding opera by Christoph Willibald Gluck.

And of course, let us not forget "Iphigenia in Brooklyn" by PDQ Bach.

But I digress.

Seriously, I loved this work by Costanza Casati. It has certainly given me an appetite for more Greek mythology, which was somewhat whetted already by the playing of two Assassin's Creed games (Origins and Odyssey, the latter of which took place in the Grecian empire). I shall surely delve more deeply into these stories whenever possible.

If you're fan of Greek mythology, I would definitely encourage you to check this one out.

I received this ARC free of charge and am leaving this review voluntarily.

CLYTEMNESTRA by Costanza Casati is another beautiful Greek myth retelling.

⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

A villan in the male dominated origins of Greek Mythology, Clytemnestra is given her voice in this stunning story. A daughter of Sparta and wife to Agamemnon, she holds such high positions, yet little honor.

Clytemnestra is born into a fierce people with ruthlessness as a point of pride. Almost broken by the horrors inflicted upon those she loves, she hardens herself into that fiercest of Queens who slowly cultivates and patiently waits for her vengeance. The price she must pay for her true freedom is high and painful.

I was so captivated by this story. I did have to refresh my memory a bit, but then realized that was a moot point as this is so much better. If you aren't as up on your Greek Mythology, don't bother with reading the old version. This story gives Clytemnestra a depth of emotion and strength that I think she deserves.

A feminist retelling for certain and I loved that. I also really enjoy hearing the "villans" side of an old tale. It definitely adds a fuller picture to the ancient stories. I highly recommend this to fans of retellings, but also to those who want a story of a complicated woman who takes the impossible life she is given and finds a way to make it hers.

Thank you so much to @netgalley and @bookmarked (Sourcebooks Landmark) for the opportunity to read this digital ARC and share my thoughts. I genuinely hope this launch goes well after experiencing the loss of the first round of printed books! It looks like @bookofthemonth may help with that as an add on! This title is finally available today!

This is one of my favorites of the year and I loved it from start to finish!
This is a Greek retelling of the revered and hated Queen Clytemnestra.
This book has fantastic writing, nuanced and interesting characters and intriguing themes. I felt like I could at least partially relate to Clytemnestra in the areas of being a mother and a woman.
This is a perfect story for fans of Song of Achilles or Circe. I have no doubt it will be a huge hit! Bravo to Casati. This is a stunning debut!

Y’all freaked out about Song of Achilles, so I anticipate Clytemnesta is going to be a huge - if you read SOA - loved it or hated it - you need to add this one to your list. Imagine SOA, but a slightly more depressing version (yes, shockingly, that is possible) from a woman who stayed on the Grecian home front during the Trojan War, suffered a terribly abusive marriage to Agamemnon, and experienced unimaginable losses throughout her life. This book is SAD. But this book is also GOOD.

Costanza Casati's writing is beautiful, and is the real jewel of this retelling. Even through the lulls of the plot in this book, the characters and her prose kept me turning the pages. Among the mythological retellings I’ve read, I would categorize this one among the higher tier. Compelling and imaginative, yet devastating and raw.

Simply stated, I cannot wait to see how the bookish community receives Clytemnesta, and I hope it gains the traction is deserves.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for this opportunity.

A bit of a slow start, but once it picks up, wow. Love the trend of retelling a myth from the woman’s perspective and this one is lovely; she was not loved in mythology, but this really gives great insight into why she does want she does. Basically, everyone betrays her and she gets to burn it all down for a while.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for a complimentary copy of this novel! Clytemnestra is not as well known as other mythological characters! This novel does an amazing job to give us a look into how her life may have played out. She became the wife of Agamemnon. She was a very strong queen, hence why he had his sights set on her even though she was already married and has a son. That did not stop Agamemnon! Clytemnestra kinda reminds me of Cersei Lannister from Game of Thrones! This book is very well written! I felt like I was right there along side of her. She lived in getting revenge for so many that were heartlessly ripped out of her life. Growing up she was taught to fight and hunt. She was a fierce warrior, but also a mother and queen. She demanded loyalty! Those who were not loyal to her were executed! The author did a great job portraying this strong female protagonist!

An epic historical novel by debut novelist Constanta Casati.

Rarely is my breath taken away by a book. This one swept me off my feet and carried me to Ancient Greece for an adventure of the ages.

Casati’s soaring tale of the life of the famed queen Clytemnestra is astounding. It is rich and decadent and juicy and cruel and wondrous. It reads like the movie “The Ten Commandments” views. It is Herculean in its style, and so incredibly approachable at the same time.

It bring to light how we glorify tales of the ancients, but in fact is filled with mysogeny and cruelty and ugliness. It is an era that is no friend to women, and Clytemnestra must do anything she can to survive.

And survive she does. With descriptive writing that gives us not only the look and feel, but the smell and taste of the era, Casati is brilliant in her writing style. She layers her writing to ignite our senses, and evoke our emotions.

This is a truly “must read” novel.